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<p><b>New page</b></p><div>[[file:Michael_Whelan_-_Lucca_2017.jpg|thumb|left]] [[image:MWHOFBLOCK.jpg|thumb|left]] '''Michael Whelan''' (born June 29, 1950) is an American [[artist]] and [[illustrator]] known for his work in the [[science fiction]] and [[fantasy]] genres. He has created numerous book covers, album covers, and other illustrations, earning him a prominent place in the field of speculative fiction art.<br />
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== Early Life and Education ==<br />
Michael Whelan was born in [[Culver City, California]]. He developed an interest in art at an early age, influenced by his parents who were both artists. Whelan attended [[San Jose State University]], where he studied under the guidance of noted artist [[John Berkey]]. He later transferred to the [[Art Center College of Design]] in [[Pasadena, California]], where he honed his skills in illustration and design.<br />
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== Career ==<br />
Whelan's professional career began in the mid-1970s when he started creating book covers for major publishers. His first significant work was the cover for [[Anne McCaffrey]]'s ''[[Dragonriders of Pern]]'' series. This led to further commissions, and Whelan quickly became one of the most sought-after illustrators in the science fiction and fantasy genres.<br />
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=== Book Covers ===<br />
Michael Whelan has illustrated covers for many notable authors, including [[Isaac Asimov]], [[Stephen King]], [[Ray Bradbury]], and [[H.P. Lovecraft]]. His work is characterized by its detailed and imaginative style, often bringing to life the fantastical elements of the stories he illustrates.<br />
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=== Album Covers ===<br />
In addition to book covers, Whelan has also created album covers for various musical artists. Notably, he designed the cover for [[Meat Loaf]]'s ''[[Bat Out of Hell II: Back into Hell]]'' and [[Sepultura]]'s ''[[Beneath the Remains]]''.<br />
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=== Awards and Recognition ===<br />
Michael Whelan has received numerous awards for his work, including multiple [[Hugo Awards]] and [[World Fantasy Awards]]. He was inducted into the [[Science Fiction Hall of Fame]] in 2009, recognizing his significant contributions to the genre.<br />
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== Style and Influence ==<br />
Whelan's art is known for its vivid colors, intricate details, and ability to capture the essence of the stories he illustrates. His work has influenced a generation of artists in the science fiction and fantasy genres, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the field.<br />
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== Personal Life ==<br />
Michael Whelan resides in [[Danbury, Connecticut]] with his family. He continues to create art and participate in various conventions and exhibitions.<br />
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== Selected Works ==<br />
* ''[[The Gunslinger]]'' by [[Stephen King]]<br />
* ''[[Foundation]]'' series by [[Isaac Asimov]]<br />
* ''[[The Martian Chronicles]]'' by [[Ray Bradbury]]<br />
* ''[[The Call of Cthulhu]]'' by [[H.P. Lovecraft]]<br />
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== See Also ==<br />
* [[List of science fiction and fantasy artists]]<br />
* [[Hugo Award for Best Professional Artist]]<br />
* [[World Fantasy Award for Best Artist]]<br />
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== References ==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
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== External Links ==<br />
{{Commons category|Michael Whelan}}<br />
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[[Category:1950 births]]<br />
[[Category:Living people]]<br />
[[Category:American illustrators]]<br />
[[Category:Science fiction artists]]<br />
[[Category:Fantasy artists]]<br />
[[Category:People from Culver City, California]]<br />
[[Category:People from Danbury, Connecticut]]<br />
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